Sarri Returns to Lazio: Second Stint Begins with High Hopes

Sarri Replaces Baroni After Disappointing Campaign

Maurizio Sarri has officially returned to Lazio, resuming his role as head coach just 15 months after stepping down. The 66-year-old takes over from Marco Baroni, who led the Biancocelesti to a seventh-place finish in Serie A last season — a result that left them out of European competition.

Sarri originally left the club in March 2024 following five defeats in six matches and was openly critical of Lazio’s transfer policy at the time.

Lazio President Welcomes Sarri “Back Home”

In a passionate club statement, Lazio president Claudio Lotito confirmed the return of Sarri:

“Maurizio Sarri has returned home. His return is a choice of heart, conviction and vision. With him we want to resume a path that was interrupted too soon, aware that together, we can bring back enthusiasm, identity and ambition.”

Born in Naples, Sarri is widely known for his possession-based “Sarriball” style and tactical discipline.

A Manager with a Storied Career

Before making it to Serie A, Sarri spent years managing in Italy’s lower divisions while also working as a banker. He gave up his day job in the early 2000s to fully commit to coaching, eventually guiding Empoli to top-flight promotion in the 2013–14 season.

He later took charge of Napoli, leading them to two second-place finishes in three seasons and earning Serie A Manager of the Year honors in 2016–17.

Sarri’s time at Chelsea was brief but successful — he won the UEFA Europa League and reached the League Cup final in the 2018–19 season. He returned to Italy the following year to win the Serie A title with Juventus.

His first stint at Lazio began in 2021, highlighted by a second-place league finish in the 2022–23 season — the club’s best since 1999–2000.

Sarri’s Mission: Restore Identity and European Ambitions

With his return, Sarri is expected to restore Lazio’s tactical identity and push for European qualification. The club’s vision is clear: rebuild with consistency, clarity, and leadership.

With the preseason approaching, fans are eager to see how Sarri reshapes the squad and whether he can guide Lazio back to the upper tier of Italian football.